Consumer protection is indispensable for healthy competition and a functional, sound market economy

Participants included Sergiu Dărănuță, head of the Inspectorate for Non-Food Products Supervision and Consumer Protection, as well as civil society and media representatives. They discussed consumer rights, the regulatory and institutional framework for consumer protection, and transparency in the business environment.

The proposed solutions included better consumer education and information; a single call centre that would quickly redirect requests to the relevant institutions; and a digital tool for tracking petitions. Other proposals were updating the consumer protection law by transposing EU directives and aligning with the acquis, standardising inspector training, clearly separating the consumer protection mandate from market surveillance, and supporting strong non-governmental organisations in the field. The conclusion was that bringing consumer protection out of anonymity is essential for a prosperous society and that it must become a Government priority.